A nice, weighty frosted glass bottle with a PUMP- yusssss! This makes dispensing the product so much easier, with no mess & no wasted product. Snaps to MAC.

Finish:

Dewy! Glowing! BEAUTIFUL! I can't get enough of this.

Coverage:

Super sheer, but can be built up to a light/medium.

Longevity:

All day- 8 hours+ wear. I also find that when I layer it underneath another foundation (more on that below), it makes THAT last longer.

Suitable for:

All skin-types- seriously. It's oil-free, hydrating and nourishing- feels beautiful to wear. If you're not a fan of wearing foundation, but still want a lil something-something, this could be perfect for you.

Extra thoughts:

Oh man, I just love this. I've had a few plays to get it to work properly for me (coverage-wise), and I've got it! On a good skin day, I apply concealer around my eyes, then a couple of layers of this- and I'm good to go. On bad skin days (my pigmentation is more obvious on some days more than others), I apply one layer of this after primer, and then add a light layer of another foundation over the top. It works really nicely with NARS Sheer Glow, or with MAC Studio Sculpt. Doing this means I can skip concealer- YAY- and gives my skin a beautiful dewy finish that lasts and lasts. I'm going to get some microdermabrasion done on my skin at Caci Clinic soon, and if I have great results (fingers crossed), I'm hoping to be able to wear this on it's own :D

RRP & stockists:

MAC Next To Nothing Face Colour is available in 9 different shades (I wear Medium Plus) for $64.00, at all MAC counters & stores. Go try it- PLEASE!

If you're a lover of sweet, citrus scents, you're going to love the latest version of Viktor & Rolf Bonbon, the recently-launched Bonbon Spring Summer. Touted as being a slightly lighter version of the original, citrus fruits take the centre stage, making it a sparkling and refreshing fragrance option for day or night.

This beauty-beaut' contains top notes of grapefruit, tangerine, orange and black currant; middle notes of orange blossom absolute and sambac jasmine absolute with sugar icing and peach; and base notes of Caramel, musk, guaiac wood and cedar. Now, how insanely beautiful does THAT sound??!

The pink glass bow-shaped bottle is almost as beautiful as the scent, and is pleasingly weighty. I know you're meant to keep fragrances in their boxes to keep them at their best, but it's too pretty to be hidden away! Something else I love? The longevity is AWESOME, it lasts all day long which is brilliant, because no one really wants to keep a huge perfume bottle in their handbag. Side note, I recently read an excellent tip for people wanting to refresh heir perfume during the day- spray a few cotton buds with your chosen scent, pop them in a small plastic zip-lock bag to keep in your handbag, and voila- you're good to go!

Viktor & Rolf Bonbon Spring Summer will be available on counter at selected department stores from the 19th of June; it'll be a 50ml EDT with an RRP of $145- you're going to love it!

​Have you guys heard about Plantae Skincare? If you have, and you love it- you have EXCELLENT taste and I commend you. If you've yet to try it, read on- because this certified organic, cruelty-free skincare brand is going to blow your minds. OH- and there's a special offer for MUO members too- HIGH FIVE, PLANTAE!

A little bit of background about the brand- Plantae Certified Organic Skincare was launched in 2012 by skincare superstar Carol Priest- a woman who is internationally renowned for all that she knows about organic skincare. The rand gets major snaps from me for being based in sunny Nelson, my favourite place in the WHOLE world *beam*! There's a multitude of organic crops in the area- making it possible for Plantae to source locally, & find the most pure, quality ingredients for their products. So really, if natural, organic skincare is your vibe- you really need to check them out asap.

Every MUO member needs a quality facial oil to include in their skincare regime, and the Plantae version is PHENOMENAL. The key ingredients of theRosehip Fruit + Seed Seruminclude rosehip, sandalwood, rose and rosemary- so as you can imagine, it smells incredible. I like to apply this in the evenings before my moisturiser (you only need a couple of drops!), it absorbs quickly and beautifully- and I love waking up with glowing, more radiant skin. It's such a beaut, and a bottle will last you a long time- love!

I've been trying out theSea Buckthorn Berry Night Creamin conjunction with the serum above, and to be quite honest...they're a dream team. One of my favourite times of the evening is when I can flop down in front of the TV and put beautiful skincare on my face- and when the night cream is as good as this Plantae guy, LIFE IS REALLY GREAT! It contains sea buckthorn, rose, evening primrose, rosehip, borage, blackcurrant and pine (YUM), and is so very rich and nourishing. This is what you need in a night cream- especially with the cooler months approaching. YAY for smoother, firmer, and happier skin by morning!

Soooo- they sound fab, right?! You can find Plantae goodies at selected pharmacies, health food stores and via their website in New Zealand- click hereto check that out! BUT WAIT- the legends from Plantae have a special discount code for MUO members- YAAAAY! You can receive a discount of 15% off your whole order when you spend $50.00 or more, simply by entering the following code: muolovesplantae

​If you've followed this blog for awhile, you'll know how much I love Kiehl's skincare. The US-based cosmetics giant has been producing skincare, hair care & body care products since 1851, when they started out as just one tiny apothecary (a cute word for an old-school style pharmacy) in New York. Suffice to say, Kiehl's has grown and grown since them, and they REALLY know what they're doing.

I like their products a LOT- you can see that for yourself here, here, here, and even here ;) Now, with the release of their latest product, the Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Mask, I'm adding yet another glowing Kiehl's review to the MUO archives!

Now- I LOVE face masks- who doesn't??! I estimate that I use 3 or 4 masks a week, with differing purposes, and I am actually lying about that because it's probably more like 5 or 6. I went to Thailand recently, & while it wasn't a mission deciding which makeup to take (too hot), I had a hard time deciding on skincare. Thankfully, THANKFULLY, the Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Mask made the cut, because it saved me!

Formulated with hand-picked calendula petals (which contain a tonne of anti-inflammatory, soothing nutrients) and aloe vera (well known for its hydrating and nourishing properties), this mask feels absolutely amazing to put on. It's so cooling and fresh, like it's giving your skin a big drink of water. LOVE. The product itself is a light gel consistency, and you really don't need to use very much each time to cover your whole face. I use it before bed (it dries pretty rapidly), and rinse off in the morning....waking up with smooth, clear, brighter skin, YESSS. And the smell? Divine.

As I mentioned above, I loved using this in Thailand in the evenings because of how cooling it is, and it really did seem to calm down any redness. P.S. I DID wear sunscreen, but wow, their sun is crazy :O I've been using it consistently since I came back as well, simply because I love how it makes my skin look in the mornings! I will buy this when I run out, for sure, because I can't bear the thought of not having it in rotation!

You can buy the Kiehl's Calendula & Aloe Soothing Hydration Mask in store and on counter now, and it retails for $65 (it's a big tub!). Kiehl's are beautifully generous when it comes to sampling, so don't hesitate to visit them and ask for a (free!) skin consultation- the peeps in there are amazing, and know their products inside and out. Another rave review for Kiehl's? TICK!

I feel like absolutely every MUO will be familiar with the eponymous Flowerbomb fragrance from Viktor & Rolf. It was released in 2005, and it was insanely, crazily popular. I know I definitely rushed to get my hands on it, and it remains one of my favourite scents to this day. Now, after a number of years of development, the Amsterdam-based design house has released a lighter, airier version, Flowerbomb Bloom, with slightly different fruit & citrus notes...as well as something new entirely- liquid air!

Now- if you're anything like me, you'll be wondering what on earth "liquid air" is (and how on earth it can be contained in a fragrance), so I did a little research. The following is a quote from Domitille Bertier, Perfumer for Viktor & Rolf:

"We have a scientist that goes over the globe to find the ingredients. The Liquid Air was found at a top of a mountain which is one of the key ingredients. We already had a solid base with the Flowerbomb Eau de Toilette so we looked for ingredients that add that extra burst of freshness."*

So here you go- liquid air is essentially a molecule, it's a new ingredient which has never been used before...making this release especially exciting! Onto the other notes; Flowerbomb Bloom has top notes of pomegranate and mandarin; middle notes of freesia, damask rose and jasmine and liquid air; and warm woody base notes of musk, vanilla and patchouli.

As I mentioned before, this new release is intended to be a lighter version of the original, with the idea that Flowerbomb Bloom could easily be worn as a day fragrance, keeping the original for a sultrier, more exotic evening scent. I love them both- & I'm also loving the perfectly feminine yet functional pink glass bottle!

Flowerbomb Bloom is available in selected department stores NOW, and is available in the sizes 30ml, 50ml and 100ml; ranging from $122 to $225. And you're going to LOVE it.

SO- Maybelline NY has absolutely burst onto the 2017 beauty scene this year with their latest releases, and I am seriously impressed with what they've given us. I was recently sent the collection to try, and I wanted to share what my favourite products were with you guys. I've got to be honest- not all my top picks have made it onto this list....they'll appear later- I'll explain why ;) For now, though, let's go!​

Dream Cushion Fresh Face Liquid Foundation (RRP $29.99)

Holy SMOKES- I didn't want to write about this here, as I truly believe it's a perfect dupe for a particular high-end foundation...& I'm halfway through writing another dupes post, so it should be THERE. But I can't resist, because this foundation is just too good not to share immediately. For starters, the no-mess packaging is excellent...I don't use the sponge included, I just use my usual kabuki brush- but you can do what you like! :D I was blown away by not only the coverage (medium, which I quickly built up to full), but by the beautiful, semi-matte finish. My skin looked unreal! I also found that it lasted on my skin super well all day- with just the usual fading around my nose/jaw- which was easily touched up. Top marks, Maybelline, I LOVE this product! P.S. Keep an eye out for this to make another appearance in my upcoming dupes post!

Master Strobing Stick Illuminating Highlighter (RRP $24.99)

The highlighting/strobing tend doesn't seem to be going ANYWHERE, and thank goodness, because it's one technique that I find relatively easy to achieve. In my humble opinion, the Maybelline Strobing Stick is one of the best affordable highlighters available- & you really need to try it. Why? It's creamy (but not oily), it blends like a dream, it gives a glowing/dewy finish (no glitter- YAY), a little goes a long way, and it wears up super well over the course of an evening or day. OH- it also comes in two shades; a light iridescent, & a medium nude glow. Tryyyyy it.

Master Contour V-Shape Duo Stick (RRP $19.99)

Cream contouring is something that definitely takes a little practise (like winged eyeliner), but I think I'm slowly getting there. Thankfully this little guy from Maybelline makes it SO much easier. The Duo Stick is a contour/highlighter in one, and is very, very easy to use & blend thanks to the creamy, gel-like formula. I find that the best way to use this is use a light hand, & blend it GENTLY with my finger tips...a brush tends to wipe it all off. It's definitely more of a subtle effect, but one which is perfect for every day wear, and for beginners.

Color Sensational Lip Shaper (RRP $15.99)

There's no question that a perfectly defined lip is 100% on trend right now, and so it follows that every MUO needs at least a few quality lip liners in their collection. The new Maybelline babies have six shades available (and are so affordable that you could probably justify owning them all), & are creamy yet long-wearing. Bonus point- they're self-sharpening...YUSSSS.

Color Jolt Intense Lip Paint (RRP $14.99)The main reason I love the new Color Jolt glosses is because of how intensely pigmented they are...I'm talking about a HUGE colour payoff, with a beautiful shine! The angled sponge tip makes application easy peasy, and it comes in eight different shades. My pick is the perfect nude shade, Stripped Down. Obsessed.

All in all, I'm 110% impressed with the latest treats from Maybelline NY (in case you couldn't tell). The quality of them all surpassed my expectations, & I'll happily buy these again when I run out. There are actually several other new products that I love just as much, but they'll be appearing in my upcoming dupes post...because they're THAT good. Let me know below which products you'd like to try, because I do have some to give away!

​​I've lost count of how many beautiful fragrances DKNY has released- the Donna Karan Women perfume was one of the first I ever bought in 2000...and they've been producing beautiful scents since 1992! To say that she knows what she's doing is a vast understatement, and the latest offering from the designer, DKNY Be Tempted Eau So Blush is no exception. The fragrance is floral/woody, with a gorgeous hint of fruit, and I have been LOVING it for day wear this autumn.

DKNY Be Tempted Eau So Blush has top notes of grapefruit, magnolia, red currant and red orange; middle notes of peony, jasmine and cedar wood; and base notes of creamy woods, apricot and solar musk. I'm not sure exactly what solar musk is, if I'm honest, but it all smells insanely beautiful. Honestly, this really is just gorgeous, and I'm finding myself reaching for it more and more over old favourites. Plus, look how photogenic she is?! Because she's totally a "she".

I'm a sucker for cute fragrance packaging, AND a sucker for pink, so I'm loving the bottle that this comes in- who wouldn't want this sitting amongst their beauty collection?! Even better news? DKNY Be Tempted Eau So Blush is available instore NOW at selected pharmacies and department stores! It 's available in 50 and 100 ml Eau de Parfum, with RRPs of $89 and $125 respectively. If you've desperately been looking for a fresh, feminine signature scent, this could very well be what you need!

​I've always been a huge fan of the Clinique range of foundations, but none more so than their latest offering, the BIY (Blend It Yourself) Pigment Drops. While they're not the first brand to introduce customisable foundation, I've fallen hard for the Clinique version- let me tell you why.

Using Clinique BIY is a brilliant way to create your perfect base- which we all know tends to differ on different days. The formulation is highly, highly pigmented, and is activated by shaking the bottle gently. Using one drop (don't squeeze the bottle! Just tap it!) will result in a sheer, BB/CC cream-like coverage. Two drops gives medium coverage, and three drops will make you look air-brushed (my personal fave).

BUT (and this is important)! You don't use these by themselves- you add the drops to your preferred moisturiser, primer, or foundation (for a REALLY full coverage). This is where you can get really experimental; using moisturisers with different finishes can make your base either dewy or matte. For example, I get a lovely matte base when I use Clinique BIY with the Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion....and if I mix a few drops of BIY with MAC Strobe Cream, the finish is glowing & gorgeous. SO GOOD.

Clinique BIY comes in an extensive range of shades, so it's definitely important to go instore to make sure you get the right shade. Don't be alarmed by the size of the bottle- it's only 10ml- just remember that you'll only be using 1-3 drops at a time, so theoretically it'll last just as long as other foundations. I'm thinking that these could be great for makeup artists to keep in their kits, given the smaller size of the bottle, and the customisable factor.

On an absolutely basic level- it makes me happy that this is so easy to get in NZ, and that I don't have to rely on (sometimes unreliable/shonky) websites to get it to me. Instead, you can go straight to a Clinique counter and not only get it straight away, but you're able to get colour-matched at the same time. HUZZAH.

At $85, it certainly isn't a cheap option, but it's a product that I truly am enjoying using, and can happily recommend to you guys! I just really, really love how I can make my base whichever finish/coverage I want, depending on what I feel like I need on the day. It makes me feel all experimental & scientist-y, because obviously that's a word and a thing. Give it a try!

Navigating your way through finding the right products for your skin can be an absolute mare. With so many products available on the market today, it can seem like an impossible task! I have to try a tonne of different products as a beauty blogger (SO not complaining, I'm a lucky girl), and it's rare that I finish a product, and go back to it time and time again. However, I consistently turn to and use products from the Australian skincare range, Aspect Dr- they are just SO good, and beautifully effective. Here are three of my top picks- let me know what you think!

First up, the Aspect Dr Complete Pigment Serum....otherwise known as the LIGHT OF MY LIFE. I'd never really had a problem with pigmentation on my skin up until the last year or so- and I just know that it's years of tanning catching up with me. Weep! However, thanks to this serum (which contains Tyrostat,Vitamin E, & Canadian Willowherb ), my uneven skin tone is slowly but surely starting to brighten up. I've been using it consistently every evening (before moisturiser) for 3 months- I only need to use 2-3 pumps to cover my entire face/neck. It smells divine, absorbs quickly, and most importantly- it's working! Love love love- highly recommend.

Aspect Dr Deep Clean Facial Cleanser is one of the BEST cleansers you'll eve use- and it's suitable for all skin types! Not only does it remove all traces of makeup with only one or two pumps of product, but it leaves my skin smooth and plump and happy. I can even use it when my skin is playing up with no irritation whatsoever, which is a HUGE plus. The pump packaging is both hygienic and pretty, aesthetics being important whether you admit to it or not. Be warned- once you start using this, you'll be hooked for life. It's that good.

I’ve been using my favourite vitamin C product for over two years now, Aspect Dr Active C Serum- & it’s a game changer. I don’t think I’ve EVER had as many comments on my skin as I have since using vitamin C. If I sound like I’m trying to convince you, I really am. I have to be transparent here & tell you that these serums don’t tend to come cheap, because ideally the product should contain at least 10% of vitamin C concentration. I do recommend buying the highest concentration that you can afford, because it really is an incredible skincare ingredient.

It's very rare that the amazing Bobbi Brown puts a foot wrong with virtually any beauty product she brings out. I just seem to love EVERYTHING- in particular: their skincare, their lip products, and their eye liners. True to form, the brand has released two excellent new products; the Long-Wear Waterproof Liner, and the Art Stick Liquid Lip- and they are SO good!

Let's start with the Long-Wear Waterproof Liner, which will be available in New Zealand stores from the 17th of April. I'm not sure that I've EVER been able to find an eyeliner that is truly, 100% waterproof...if they don't smudge, they definitely fade eventually. NOT WITH THIS GUY- he is TOUGH! The liner comes in 8 different, highly pigmented shades (I received Hazy Brown, which is perfect for me) which apply like an absolute dream. No pulling or tugging- just a super smooth, precise finish. I can attest to its Long-Wear name, because holy smokes it REALLY lasts. I applied some to my waterline & upper lash line at around 8am...and it was still hanging in there nearly 12 hours later :O it's meant to be brilliant at holding up to heat, humidity & sweat- so this little poppet will be making the trip to Thailand with me in 2 weeks- I'll let you know how it goes, but I have HIGH hopes! These will retail at $58, & I think you need at least one in your life.

I've been a huge an of the Bobbi Brown Art Sticks for absolute years- the high quality, easy to use formulation and the huge range of shades really cemented them a place in my heart <3 Everyone knows that liquid lipsticks are ridiculously on-trend right now, & Bobbi Brown has joined in by creating 16 shades of the Art Stick Liquid Lip- they are SWOON. These have a very rich, high colour payoff, which feels beautifully creamy and hydrating when worn- and they give a semi-matte finish. The longevity is fantastic, they're super easy to use, and look, you just need some okay? ;) I was sent Plum Noir (a rich plum which will be perfect for the cooler months), but I have my eye on at least 5 other shades. Aaron, if you're reading this, this IS a hint, & would be a perfect present (he's SO not reading this). The Art Stick Liquid Lip range is available on counter now (scream), and have an RRP of $56. LOVE.